Päivi Räsänen Faces Supreme Court in "Bible Tweet" Case
In October 2025, the Finnish Supreme Court heard the case of Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen, who is facing prosecution for alleged “hate speech” after tweeting a Bible verse and questioning how the Lutheran Church could reconcile its support for Helsinki Pride with biblical teaching. Despite two unanimous acquittals, the state prosecutor has pursued a further appeal, extending the case into its seventh year and seeking financial penalties and the removal of her published statements.
In October 30 2025, the Finnish Supreme Court heard the case of Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen the Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola. The case started when Räsanen tweeted a Bible verse and questioning how the Lutheran Church could reconcile its support for Helsinki Pride with biblical teaching. Authorities also investigated a 2004 pamphlet she authored for her church, which outlines the Christian view of marriage and sexuality. Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola was charged for publishing the pamphlet.
Despite two unanimous acquittals by lower courts Päivi now enters her seventh year of legal proceedings following another appeal by the state prosecutor. Her case underscores the dangers posed by Finland’s current legislation, which has enabled the criminal prosecution of peaceful expressions of deeply held religious beliefs (OIDAC reported).
“My case will show whether quoting the Bible can become a crime in a free country. No one should be censored for sharing the timeless truths of Scripture,” said Päivi Räsänen following her Supreme Court hearing on 30 October.
According to ADF International, Päivi Räsänen has been prosecuted under Finland’s War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity Law, which prohibits “agitation against a minority group” — a provision originally intended to prevent incitement but which is now being used to criminalise peaceful religious expression. Although Räsanen and Bishop Pohjola were unanimously acquitted twice, first by the District Court of Helsinki in 2022 and then by the Court of Appeal in 2023, the State Prosecutor lodged yet another appeal.
The Supreme Court’s decision to hold a full hearing and re-examine the evidence is highly unusual, as its role typically involves reviewing lower court decisions based solely on points of law rather than reassessing factual findings.
Päivi Räsänen’s case raises serious concerns for freedom of speech and religion in Europe: being put on trial for peacefully quoting Scripture risks undermining the basic rights that allow individuals to express their beliefs and share ideas without fear of punishment.
Source: ADF International; OIDAC 3033; OIDAC 7234.
Image: ADF International